Person Centered Planning, as defined by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle O’Brien is a “systematic way to generate an actionable understanding of a person with a developmental disability as a contributing member” (The Origins of Person-Centered Planning: A Community of Practice Perspective, 2000).

Person Centered Planning is a broad model that offers numerous approaches to life planning. Similar to the concepts of self-determination and supported decision making, this approach recognizes the desires, the abilities and the humanity of the individual.